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Seven Bridges World Market at Southeast 4th Street and 1st Avenue Northeast has added a Buddhist bookstore to its multi-cultural offerings.

Lori Chu opened Buddhist Books in April, after she was unable to find a store in Minneapolis specializing in Buddhist books.

"I got a degree in Eastern religions from the University of Hawaii. When I came back to Minnesota, I discovered that I couldn't find a Buddhist bookstore," Chu said. "I went to Seven Bridges to pick up some meditation supplies and I mentioned to [the owner] that I would really like to open a bookstore. She said, 'We'd like to have a bookstore here.' I said, 'A Buddhist bookstore?' And she said that would be great. We signed a lease."

Buddhist Books carries books related to the teachings of Buddha and books about the traditions of Buddhism. The store also has imports from Korea (where Chu has taught), such as tea sets used by monks in Korean temples. Chu also offers different meditative supplies.

Jennico, a store specializing in gifts from Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, India, Indonesia, Egypt, China and Guatemala, has moved -- but not far. Jennico has moved from the first floor of City Center, 615 Hennepin Ave., to the 3rd floor. The store has filled the space that Perfect Nature vacated. Jennico had been on the first floor since 1995 and moved to the third floor March 25. Owner Nancy Akpe has another store at 1605 University Ave. in St. Paul.

Metamorphos relocates to North Dakota?

Metamorphos -- a high-end perfume and jewelry store that had recently expanded to include a spa -- has closed. This store, at 927 Nicollet Mall, had sold such brands as Creed perfumes and Lampe Berger. In February, owner Scott Johnson opened a spa. Today, the space is empty. The owner could not be reached for comment. Rush's Bridal, the tenant located above the former Metamorphos, set out slips of paper in the entrance to the store with this message:

"Metamorphos has vacated the premises, much to our regret. Scott Johnson is the owner of Metamorphos. He has moved to North Dakota and not left us with a forwarding address. He has given us a phone voicemail which he said would be good for a year: that number is 612-337-0379. And he has a web site which may help you: www.metamorphos.com."